Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson said members of local
conservation boards had a say to help protect their local
conservation assets for future generations.

The main role of the board, which meets five times a year, is
to review and suggest conservation strategies for the future,
and to advise the Department of Conservation (Doc) on how to
best implement those strategies.

"By being involved in setting the direction of conservation
in the region, Otago Conservation Board members have the
opportunity to make a real difference," Prof Smith said.

Doc community support manager Ken Stewart said nominations
were open to everyone with an interest in conservation.